McAlpine welcomes First Minister to Dumfries to address National Economic Forum

MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s visit to Dumfries this Wednesday (16th) to discuss the creation of the new south Scotland Enterprise Agency.

Ms Sturgeon will give the key note address at the National Economic Forum meeting this Wednesday at Easterbrook Hall where attendees will debate ways to maximise growth and resilience across the Rural Economy.

Ms McAlpine commented:

“I am pleased that the First Minister will be delivering the keynote speech on Wednesday. This is an important time for Dumfries and Galloway as we establish the south of Scotland’s enterprise agency. It is vital that we get this right – it is our chance to deliver a body that will truly make a difference to the economy in our region.

“A dedicated enterprise agency for the south of Scotland was something that I campaigned for during my first term as an MSP, and I made it a corner stone of my re-election campaign in 2016, so I am pleased to see it coming together.”

Wednesday’s event will include opportunities to engage with both the First Minister and other Ministers in Q&A and group discussion sessions.

In addition to the enterprise agency, sessions will also address developing the young workforce and digital opportunities in rural economies.

The SNP MSP added:

“The SNP government has invested in Dumfries and Galloway’s road network, overseen a 70 per cent increase in the number of Modern apprenticeships to help young people stay in the region; invested over £3 million in town centre regeneration and almost £40 million in the new Dumfries and Galloway College.

“Recently, Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse has been working extremely hard to save jobs in Annan after Young’s announced their intention to close Pinneys.

“The creation of the Enterprise Agency will help build on this progress and drive forward sustainable economic growth, while growing local communities, and capitalising on the skills and resources of local people.

“The consultation setting out the aims of the proposed agency will remain open until June 7th, and I urge as many individuals, businesses and communities respond to the consultation as possible, and tell the Scottish Government what matters to them, and what support they need to thrive.”

The United Nations' Special Rapporteur had this to say on how the UK Govt approaches poverty: “British compassion for those who are suffering has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous approach." https://t.co/vYdESbMuyV